Here's a more detailed explanation of how a recorder works:
1. The Player Blows Air Across the Fipple: The fipple is a small, projecting lip on the recorder's head joint. When the player blows air across the fipple, a turbulent vortex is created.
2. The Turbulent Vortex Enters the Recorder: The turbulent vortex enters the recorder's air chamber, setting the air inside into motion. As the air moves, it creates vibrations that cause sound waves.
3. The Recorder's Bore Amplifies the Sound: The recorder's bore, or the hollow tube of the instrument, amplifies the sound waves produced by the turbulent vortex. The shape and length of the bore affect the tone and resonance of the recorder.
4. Sound Exits Through the Tone Holes: The recorder has several tone holes along its length. The player can open and close these holes to change the pitch of the instrument. When a tone hole is left open, the air is allowed to escape, which shortens the effective air column and produces a higher-pitched sound. Covering a tone hole blocks the air from escaping, which lengthens the air column and produces a lower-pitched sound.
5. Octaves and Half-Holes: The recorder can play two octaves by simply opening and closing the tone holes. The first octave is known as the "lower register" and the second octave is called the "upper register". Additionally, half-holes are used to produce notes between the whole-tone intervals of the upper register.
The recorder's simple yet effective design allows musicians to produce beautiful, haunting, and expressive melodies, making it a popular instrument for both beginners and experienced musicians.